But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every moring: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion saith my soul: therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for Him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3: 21-26
I've fallen behind on my "Grains" posting, but not on my gratitude.
School's out!! I am so grateful that we accomplished so much this year. The boys put in a lot of hard work and have exhibited mastery on many subjects. I'm so impressed. God has had His hand on the whole year. I could never have made it come together without His mercy and grace.
The boys finished the ballet school year also. They participated in a wonderful spring performance. Each performed with their respective classes. Boo's class had a polka incorporated into their piece. Roo's class had a tango woven in. I was so tickled to watch both of the boys and their partners are just lovely. They also got to be in a piece for the boys of the school. I was impressed not just with their dancing, but also their acting skills too. Their sweet friend Ms. R, from church came one night and brought them flowers. So grateful for someone who thinks my boys are as special as I do.
We were almost completely packed and the day after the last show jumped in the car for some time in Iowa. I am grateful for safe travel and the opportunity to spend time with my dad, my sister and her children.
I am grateful for my understanding husband who knows how important this was to me and makes it possible for me to travel. I miss him so much. We aren't the best communicators on the telephone and we are used to being together so much of the time. I feel like I'm missing part of me. Maybe my heart...
Having a sibling is a blessing for sure. I don't know that I would want to navigate the aging process alone. My sister is a good balance for me. We are able to sound out a lot of issues with each other.
Lovely weather, even with thunder and mini squalls, the weather has been gorgeous here. God's creativity has been apparent in every moment.
Good blogging friends have blessed me. I've felt your prayers.
I found Grains of Gratitude at Brady's Bunch over two years ago!! Thanks Christine for starting it.
I am used to falling asleep & waking up to the sounds of the nearby highway; motorcycles, jarring sirens, hot rods, smooth running cars, garbage trucks. It is a shock to fall asleep to almost total stillness and wake to the birdsongs. I love the country.
The boys have had their first encounter with recently born kittens. Lots of Benedryl, but apparently worth it. Fresh air, come and go in and out as you please. A far cry from having to keep an eye on them constantly, even in our own backyard.
No need for air-conditioning. Lots of breezed to cool the house. What a concept.
Small town, slow traffic...use the turn signal? Why? Everyone knows where you are going. Shop keepers, bank tellers know your name (and maybe your business?). A far cry from the anonymity of city dwelling.
Two days left of school. I have the worst case of Spring Fever/Summer Vacation Fever in the house.
Carrie asked what color my room is. I have to admit I just used WalMart's ColorPlace Paint...three walls (and a wall in the hall) are called Sebago Blue (think Early American Blue) and the "accent wall" (if we were going to pretend I was a fancy decorator, which I'm not, but we can pretend) is called Starry Night. Think Van Gogh.
In fact I am pretty sure I am going to get a print to hang on that "accent wall." I have a mini-quilt wall hanging, but it just isn't doing it for me. Which is sad because I love the piece.
For anyone who is interested, the WalMart paint has been really easy to use and the results are nice. This is the second room I have done with it. I am NOT a painter/decorator so I am sure my expectations weren't really high--but neither is my bank account. So WalMart brand it was going to be.
I got to watch the boys rehearsal last night. Two shows--tonight and tomorrow. Be patient with me because I can't help but brag. My guys were fantastic. My prayer is that they, and all there classmates, do just as wonderfully in the shows. I am so amazed at who they've become. They sure didn't get it from me.
Must go be a grown-up now. I really don't want to be a grown-up. Whoever thought I would make a good grown-up really had a sense of humor...
And for the record making cookies when you cannot have carbs should be against the law...and yet I volunteered to do so. So off to bake.
Outside my window...green leaves, a view of the street. I've moved my computer in my big painting/organization project!
I am thinking...there's a lot to do in the next three days!! Still digging out of my project--living room and bedroom are chaos, but I've found my clothes. Laundry and packing need done.
I am thankful for...my husband who let me paint and make a huge mess, who bought me new shelves!!
From the learning rooms...three days left, but who's counting?
From the kitchen...hot dogs for lunch--Julia Child, I am not today.
I am wearing...still in jammies!
I am creating...working the same yarn with different size needles. Interesting and educational. Love knitting still.
I am going...oh gee...where am I going??? Oh that's right--dance!
I am reading...#28 in the Morland Dynasty series--The White Road. Number 31 is out in hardback and number 32 is out in November!
I am hoping...that I can make a difference today.
I am hearing...someone whistling and calling their dogs that got lose. I just watched them run by. I think I like this new view!
Around the house...chaos...praying for the piles to diminish today.
One of my favorite things...my new paint color in my room. Who knew paint could help my attitude SO MUCH!! I'll post a picture when I get more work done.
A few plans for the rest of the week:Organize. Laundry. Pack. Drive. Wait. Organize. Laundry. Pack. Drive. Wait. Organize. Laundry. Pack. Drive. Wait.
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This is caused by a variety of reasons and it can prove to be a health hazard for everyone that uses the computer. We have determined that the problem can be as dangerous as cigarette smoking because of the quantity of time that most of us are now spending on computers for work and personal reasons.
It is recommended that all individuals with access to a computer should access the link below. This link is to a special program that will correct clean and correct this potentially dangerous Health Problem.
The enemy whispered and I listened and allowed myself to be deceived, distracted.
I've allowed myself to wallow in worldly matters. Matters that will be burnt up like chaff--in as little as five years I will have forgotten perceived hurts and injustices.
I've allowed myself to become over-worried about personal concerns, for myself and for family members; health, emotional, and financial. I've allowed myself to dwell in the past and in grief that should be put aside.
A long time ago someone reminded me about other worries, "It is what it is." I tell my children often, "Don't borrow trouble from tomorrow. Just deal with today." Maybe I should go with that. Hmmmm...
"DIFFICULT PRESENT MOMENTS
When the Present Moment comes and gives me something very difficult to bear, I say, "This is the will of God."
Think of when Pilate told the Lord, "Don't you know I have the power to crucify you and the power to release you?" And Jesus said, "No, you would not have power over me if it had not been given to you from above" (John 19:10-11). Even at that awesome, unjust moment, Jesus saw the Father's Will and accepted it. In our daily lives we should to. "--Mother Angelica from Little Book, of Life Lessons and Everyday Spirituality
If you were to come into my home on any given day you would see me running around in one of my many stained t-shirts.
Oh, I do have nice tops. I am capable of looking better than the dishrag. But I save my unstained clothing to put on less than twenty minutes before I leave the house. I've got this disorder that will not allow me to eat without food jumping off my spoon or fork and landing on my shirt (at best--at worst my pants are targeted too.)
Iced tea or a soda? Dribbles down my chin. Amazing that I taught my children to eat or drink, but the truth is they are far less messy than I am. But when one of them or my husband does get a spot on their shirts they claim they performed a "Mommy." Nice, huh?
I'd buy polka dotted shirts, but they are even less slimming than horizontal stripes. Tie dye is always an option...Sigh
FOR TODAY ...April 27, 2009...Can you believe we will be leaving April behind this week? One third of the year 2009 is already gone. How does that happen. I'm trying to catch up.
I keep saying I am going to spend time catching up with my blogging buddies and I don't feel I'm doing a great job with that either. Such is the life of a mom, I guess.
Outside my window......"and the rain rain rain came down down down so Piglet started bailing..." Feeling like we better start bailing soon. We've missed a lot of bad weather and I am grateful. But I certainly hope everyone else is okay. I know there were tornadoes not far from us last night. 'Tis the season for twisters. Sigh...
I am thinking...I haven't started any projects I'd planned for the last few weeks. School is taking up a lot of time and energy.
I am thankful for...a patient husband who helps with the house.
From the learning rooms...marching forward in the face of Spring Fever. Mom is the worst culprit for not wanting to do our work.
From the kitchen...eating on the fly tonight. Grabbing a bite between dance and church. Last time we should be doing that for a while. A nice roast and trimmings for tomorrow.
I am wearing...my jammies...does that count as a uniform for me???
I am creating...Still messing around with knitting. Learning. Things have been too cluttered to drag out my beads. Sat down to do cards yesterday. Spent time instead with the husband. I think it was a good change of plan. :)
I am going...to get more blood drawn tomorrow. Yuck.
I am reading...Inkspell.
I am hoping...to get it all together one of these days.
I am hearing...noise off the highway.
Around the house...I think everything is just going to be on hold until school is done.
One of my favorite things...the art gallery. We have a phenomenal one and I spent a few hours there alone on Sunday while waiting for Roo.
A few plans for the rest of the week:A couple friends may swimfloat stop by this week. Need to figure out a nice lunch.
Here is picture thought I am sharing...It's in Swedish which gave me a smile for the blustery day...
...but instead I'm on my computer from my still unfinished BLUE room. Love the blue!!
